Longhorns QB Maalik Murphy Replaces Quinn Ewers In Blowout vs. Rice

Texas Longhorns QB backup QB Maalik Murphy is in to replace Quinn Ewers amidst the blowout vs. Rice

AUSTIN - The start to the 2023 Quinn Ewers 'Heisman Campaign' got off to a bit of a rough start. 

After starting slow offensively against the Rice Owls in their season opener on Saturday, questions began to surround the Texas Longhorns offensive firepower heading into the locker room. 

However, a quick start to the second half calmed those concerns. But perhaps more pertinent on fans' minds, was who would come into the game in relief of starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Would it be second-year QB Maalik Murphy, or five-star freshman, Arch Manning? 

Now we have more clarity, with Murphy entering the game in replacement of Ewers in the midst of the blowout, with the Horns up 37-3.

Ewers ends his day completing 18 of 28 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. He had also connected with star wideout Xavier Worthy seven times for 90 yards before exiting the game. He also had one rushing score.  

Murphy, who was seen as the favorite to back up Ewers in the event of an injury, was listed on the depth chart right next to Manning as the No. 2 QB. 

But it appears that Murphy may have the edge now, as he enters the game with the second unit. 

Murphy finished the Orange-White game in the spring going 9 of 13 passing for 165 yards and one touchdown, which was highlighted by a beautiful 79-yard touchdown to freshman receiver Johntay Cook.

Murphy being the QB2 for the remainder of the regular season still remains the most likely outcome, especially if the Horns wish to preserve the redshirt of Manning. 

That said, Sarkisian may not want to show his cards just yet for a game where the backups will likely get tons of reps.